Mumbai: The BJP-led authorities, in an obvious snub to ally Shiv Sena, has appointed IAS officer Sanjay Sethi because the chairman of the Maharashtra State Street Transport Company (MSRTC). That is the primary time that an IAS officer will helm one of many necessary public undertakings with a presence throughout the state.
The notification was issued by the Transport Division, headed by Pratap Sarnaik, a Shiv Sena member within the Mahayuti authorities. In accordance with a long-established conference, the MSRTC is headed by a political appointee, often an MLA from the ruling facet, whereas the managing director is its ex-officio vice chairman.
The appointment of Sethi, who can be the extra chief secretary of the Transport Division, will come as a jolt to the Shiv Sena and its chief, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He was heading the Transport Division and MSRTC within the earlier authorities.
Sena member and MLA Bharat Gogawale was chairman for a quick interval earlier than the meeting election. Following his induction within the Cupboard, Gogawale vacated the chair of the MSRTC.
A choice, taken beneath the management of Shinde and Gogawale, to moist lease buses on contract grew to become controversial with allegations of corruption to the tune of Rs 2,000 crore. It was thought-about an enormous monetary burden for the state physique. Gogawale had denied the fees of corruption in taking buses on moist leases from three personal entities.
It was additionally assumed that the Shiv Sena would possibly preserve the essential cooperation with it by guaranteeing the appointment of considered one of its get together leaders. However plainly Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis prevailed and ensured the appointment of an IAS, sources in Mantralaya stated. It’s a clear indication that the BJP needed an higher hand whereas making necessary selections.
The sources additionally level out that one other necessary growth within the MSRTC might not go unchecked, which is the event of a 1,360 hectare land parcel of the PSU. Sarnaik, whereas collaborating in a programme in Thane, requested CREDAI, a physique of actual property builders, to supply options on growing the land parcels that at present home bus depots and bus stands of the MSRTC.
